Independence

“I have something else to take care of. I’ll take my leave,” said Miranda

Micah refused to let her leave just like that. “All these years, Hansel has treated you like his belonging and hid you in his house. I couldn’t even meet you.”

Miranda looked up as her smile faded. “What are you trying to say?”

Micah replied, “Back then, you turned both of us down once but eventually chose him over me. It’s only because he persisted for a longer time and was more clingy.

“But did it cross your mind that he’d persisted just because he was more eager to win in that rivalry?”

At that moment, Miranda’s already broken heart seemed to shatter into pieces once more. What she thought had been a show of deep affection had been nothing more than a man’s competitive spirit?© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Noting her pale face, Micah felt sorry. He tried to caress her face, but she took a step back before he could touch her. She put some distance between them.” Mr. Lawson, please have some self–respect.”

Micah pressed closer. “Stop faking it. I know you two have split up.”

“So what?” Miranda looked up with a smile.

“Mimi, you should be with me. I’ll appreciate you and love you more than Hansel. Whatever you desire, I’ll try my best to fulfill your wishes, all as long as you’re willing to be with me.”

Be it six years ago or even now, Micah’s heart still raced when he saw Miranda. He knew he’d never forgotten her.

Miranda smiled. “Do you think I’d jump into another lion’s den right after escaping one? Mr. Lawson, it was nice meeting you today, but let’s go our separate ways from now on.”

With that, she turned and left. Now, she didn’t want to have anything to do with either Hansel or Micah. And it would be best for them to stop pestering

her.

Micah’s eyes darkened as he stared at Miranda’s slender figure.

Suddenly, he let out a soft sigh. Chuckling, he mumbled, “Mimi, you can’t stop this single–handedly. Do you think you’ll be able to escape?”

He didn’t know that someone had witnessed the whole thing from a distance.

Zach glanced at the photo he’d taken and smiled in satisfaction. It just so happened that Sam was there too. When he came out to take a breather, he saw Zach smiling slyly while holding his phone.

“What’s with that disgusting smile?” Sam asked.

Zach didn’t mind his offensive words. He smugly raised his phone and it at him.

Sam was quick to notice who was on the screen. “Miranda?”

aved

Zach tilted his head upward while humming in acknowledgment. He seemed eager for gossip. “And Micah. I’ve sent it to Hans.”

They’d witnessed how those two men had fought over Miranda all those years. ago. Whenever they recalled how crazy Hansel had been, they couldn’t help but shake their heads.

Sam’s gaze darkened. “They’ve just broken up, and Micah appeared instantly. Besides, judging from Miranda’s attitude…”

He paused. When he continued, his tone sounded meaningful. “I guess

Miranda’s breaking up for sure this time.”

“No, no, no. Miranda wouldn’t have that in her. Just wait and see. She’d never break up with Hans. Better put, she’d never leave Hans.”

“Then why did you send that photo to Hans?”

Zach didn’t think much of it. “It’s just a joke. I want to rubber–neck. It’s nothing, right?”

Sam arched an eyebrow. “Don’t take it too far, or else it’ll affect your friendship.”

IS BONUS

‘All I did was take a photo. Besides, look at how Hans is treating Miranda. She’s just his ex. He won’t take it seriously. Look at the photo. The angle’s. perfect, isn’t it? Look at the vibe it shows…”

Sam’s gaze fell on Miranda’s pretty side profile. “You’re right; she’s just his ex. It’s normal for other guys to want to woo her.”